The Kenya National Union of Teachers has shown concern about the impact of the bi-weekly mass protests on the school calendar, claiming that the demonstrations have negatively impacted learning in most schools.
This comes as schools across the country continue to bear the brunt of anti-government protests, disrupting a school calendar that is still reeling from the effects of COVID-19 disruptions.
KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu told newsrooms on Thursday that the protests will affect slum learners more than their counterparts in non-protest areas.
The few students who made it to various schools in Nairobi during the opposition demonstrations on Thursday were forced to leave early for home after yet another wasted day of learning.
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"We have only just begun to normalize the school calendar after COVID-19 disruptions, and Grade six students have just transitioned to junior secondary schools, a process with its own challenges." Class eight students are preparing for the KCPE. "We believe the mass action is inappropriate at this time," Mr Oyuu stated.
As a result, the union urged the two opposing parties, President William Ruto and Raila Odinga, to engage in dialogue to break the stalemate and avoid further disruptions to the academic calendar.
"These demonstrations have had a negative impact on the smooth running of the education calendar in the affected cities and towns, particularly schools located in slums," said the KNUT president.
"As a result, we urge all parties involved to engage in dialogue in order for our school calendar to run smoothly."
